“Her house was home to everyone. Her table always had room for one more. Her love never ran out.”
There are some people whose presence is so powerful that, when they leave this earth, an entire family feels the silence. That was Eddie Mae Pickett.
Affectionately known by everyone simply as “Pie,” she was not just the matriarch of the Pickett family, she was its heartbeat. She possessed the rare gift of making every person who entered her home feel as though they belonged. Whether you were family by blood, marriage, friendship, or simply happened to live on her block, you became one of hers.
Pie entered this world on October 25, 1940, in Sturgis, Mississippi. She was born to Pollie Davis-Miller and Johnnie Lee Miller and was lovingly raised in a family rooted in faith, resilience, and unconditional love.
As an only child, she carried within her enough love to fill generations. She attended Liberty High Grammar School in Sturgis, Mississippi, and later continued her education at Girls Vocational School. Before long, life blessed her with the role she treasured most. becoming a mother to her first-born son, Ron.
On June 27, 1959, Eddie Mae married the love of her life, Rudolph Pickett, Sr., in Newark, New Jersey. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, discipline, music, love, and unforgettable memories. Although Rudolph preceded her in death in 2006, their partnership helped lay the foundation for generations of the Pickett family.
Together, they raised four beloved children: Ron Pickett (Yasmin), Shari Pickett, Rudolph Pickett, Jr., and Anita Pickett.
Her heart, however, never recognized limits. She lovingly embraced Odell Pickett (Aloma), Vaughn Williams (Shamayne), and Victor Williams (Carmen) as bonus sons, loving them no differently than her own.
One remarkable day, when her neighbor Michelle unexpectedly went into labor, Pie stepped in without hesitation and helped deliver Michelle’s baby into the world before medical assistance arrived. That baby is now a grown man and a police officer. That was simply who she was. When someone needed help, Pie showed up.
Every Saturday, she faithfully made her trip to the grocery store, a tradition as dependable as sunrise.
She rarely raised her voice, and unlike many, Grandma did not believe in cursing. Instead, whenever she and Grandpa Rudy found themselves in one of their legendary debates, she would slap the table like a judge bringing down a gavel and loudly declare: “BULLCORN!” Everyone knew exactly what she meant. That one word became legendary.
Her grandchildren and family members knew another special side of her. She had affectionate names for the people she loved most. Some were lovingly called “BabyGirl.” Others became “Man,” And one unforgettable nephew became: “Funky Man.” Those simple nicknames became lifelong treasures.
Eddie Mae leaves behind a legacy measured not simply in years, but in generations. She is survived by her devoted children: Ron Pickett (Yasmin), Shari Pickett, Rudolph Pickett, Jr., and Anita Pickett. Her cherished grandchildren: De’Etra Pickett, Denine Lucas, Dominique Pickett, Samone Lucas, Shantell Lucas, Ja’Mir Joyner, Jaylah Pickett, and Idris Pickett, along with her bonus grandchildren, Renita Pickett, Brandon Pickett, Tiffany Pickett, Tatiana Williams, Christian Williams, Chloe Williams, Jaysean Williams, and Jordan Williams. Her beloved great-grandchildren: Tom’Miece, Tyrese, Zaniya, Zahir, Kaiden, and Amari, along with a host of bonus great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind countless nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, neighbors, and lifelong friends.
Among those she loved dearly were her beloved sisters-in-law and best friends, Evelyn Pickett and Angie “Puddin” Pickett; her loving brother-in-law, who became more like a brother, Bobo Pickett; her brother-in-law Cris Gomez of California; and her beloved cousin Dora Mae and her husband, Louie.
She also leaves behind the people she always considered family, her cherished 2nd Street family, including those who remain and those who have gone on before her.
Eddie Mae was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rudolph Pickett, Sr.; her parents, Pollie Davis-Miller and Johnnie Lee Miller; her Aunt Martha, Aunt Sara, as well as nephews, relatives, and dear friends whom she loved deeply and never forgot.
This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Eddie Mae Pickett. Leave a message on the Tribute Wall to share your favorite memories and offer words of sympathy and comfort.